THE GOOD:~Finally, unlike the past game, we are able to roam freely around the grounds of Hogwarts.
~The new spellcasting system is creative and easy to learn.
~There are no monsters that need to be defeated in this game.
THE BAD:
~The new system has some sort of strange glitch with Dualshock 2 controllers.
~The game is almost too easy to beat.
~Some players might not enjoy the non-combat playing style.
~The puzzle-oriented gaming style might throw some players' interest.
SUMMARY:
The Harry Potter series just can't be stopped. With five movies, video games, and soundtracks, and seven books out now (with more on the way), it is easily becoming the most influential series of the 21st century. On the subject of video games, many hardcore video game fans will roll their eyes and say, "Why couldn't they make them a bit harder?" But what they DON'T say is how the game should be made harder. The fourth game made it harder, all right... harder to do ANYTHING. Enter Order of the Phoenix, the fifth in the series, and - in my opinion - a considerable improvement over the last game.
Yes, Potter fans, the ridiculous 'Pensive Level Selection' screen has been done away with, and we can finally roam around the grounds again. And the best part? No monsters to get in our way! The new 'sandbox' style of playing makes sure that we'll enjoy the game without having to worry about starting over because a monster got the best of us.
Of course, some players might NOT enjoy having no (required) combat. After all, what's left in the game? Collecting DA members for the fight against Professor Umbridge's reign, collecting 'Discovery Points' (little blue orbs that come out of stuff when you cast spells on them or interact with them in some other way), and cursing Slytherins when they insult Harry (yes, you can do that in this game!) There's no challenge, as these gamers would say.
Unlike in any past game before, we have a more non-linear style of gameplay, meaning that there are many different ways you could go about playing. For instance, when recruiting DA members, you can decide to help out Hannah Abbott first, or Luna Lovegood, depending on whose task you feel like doing. The tasks you'll have to do in the game are mostly non-linear too, and vary greatly. In the game, Harry will have to do lots of things ranging from feeding the thestrals to sabotaging the great clock in Hogwarts. It keeps the game great fun throughout.
Another new feature that is great for getting around the new layout of Hogwarts is the updated version of the Marauder's Map. Before, it was a poor excuse of in-game help, but now it not only tells you where things are, but it even shows your path outside of the menu in the form of a trail of footsteps. You can just follow the feet wherever you need to go, by either selecting the quest on your list or by selecting the room you want to travel to. Unfortunately, it can't help you with your quests every time, and sometimes takes you to the wrong place. They don't give you very many hints for completing tasks in this game. Clearly, you're just meant to use your head.
The new spellcasting system is great, too, and adds a more lifelike spin on casting spells. Instead of pressing buttons, you now use your left analog stick to make certain movements to activate spells. You might flick the stick up, move it back and forth, or around in a circle. You can cast on EVERYTHING, which can sometimes be amusing. When before could you hoist a fellow student up by their ankle and talk to them, or make flames shoot out of a gargoyle's mouth?
Of course, something can go wrong with this new system for people with the old Dualshock 2 controllers. Why? Well, let me tell you my experience. I was just starting on my game when I came across the Wingardium Leviosa spell. The movement was a simple 'windshield wiper' movement, but for some reason, I couldn't do it. No, forget that. I WAS doing it right, but the game somehow wouldn't take it. After a few hours of frustration, I finally caved and bought a cordless controller. Worked like a charm. I was finished with the task in thirty seconds. So, if you want this game, don't use Dualshocks. They won't work.
So, add that cost of the extra controller to your investment, and is it worth it? Well, let's say the game costs about $30, and a cordless controller costs about $40. Is it worth $70? No, probably not. But if you already have a cordless controller, or don't mind getting one, this game is worth a play. While it still caters to Harry Potter fans, it caters in such a good way, if you're a fan, you'll enjoy it. It's not a 'perfect' game, and has plenty of little quirks, but it's become one of my favorites in the series. So go ahead: if you're a fan, buy it. If you're not... read the books, become one, and pick the game up.
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